Teaching
Librarianship and library and information science support democratic principles and institutions. Future librarians and library science leaders must recognize inequality as deeply and structurally embedded in the fabric of society and our information-related institutions along social group lines that include race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, language, and ability. We must create learning experiences that support students’ professional development and that also help them develop the courage to take risks and imagine transformative possibilities for an equitable, socially just, and free society.
Service
Ubuntu (I am because we are), supporting new professionals and those in new roles, and a general sense of ending suffering in our institutions are what motivate my professional service. So many people mentored and supported me along my professional journey, and it feels good to honor them by paying it forward.
Excellence
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important concepts and goals within the contemporary higher education and LIS environments. In my view, diversity goals become shallow and unachievable if we do not prioritize inclusion and equity, and work to disrupt the systems that maintain homogeneity, inequities, and exclusive environments that are harmful to the future professionals we are preparing as well as to the communities they will eventually serve.
About Me
I have been professionally engaged with library and information science for over 20 years as a practitioner, administrator, researcher, instructor, and adviser. This site is one way for me to share my thoughts and generate conversations about LIS education and library management.
Ericka J. Patillo 